After your background check is marked “Completed” on the IRCC online tracker, you can generally expect to receive your Canadian citizenship test invitation within 2 to 6 months. The current federal fee for an adult citizenship application is $653 CAD.
Applying for Canadian citizenship is an exciting process, but waiting for updates can test the patience of even the most resilient permanent residents. Once you have submitted your application and paid your federal fees, you are given access to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online tracker. For many applicants living in cities from Halifax to Edmonton, logging in to check this tracker becomes a daily routine.
One of the most significant milestones on the tracker is seeing your “Background verification” status change to “Completed.” This means that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) have finished their security screenings. 🔍 However, completing the background check does not mean you will get a test invite the very next day. Setting realistic expectations for the gap between these two steps will help alleviate your anxiety.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Understanding how IRCC manages files internally helps clarify why there is a waiting period after your background check clears. The federal government processes hundreds of thousands of citizenship applications annually, and files must move through various departments.
Step 1: Security and Criminality Clearance
Before you can proceed to the testing phase, IRCC must verify that you have no serious criminal record (such as an indictable offence or a recent summary conviction) and pose no security threat. 👮♂️ This step is handled federally and usually clears within a few weeks to a few months after acknowledging receipt of your file.
Step 2: File Transfer to a Local Office
Once the background check is completed at the central processing centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, your file is transferred into a queue for a local IRCC office. Depending on whether you live in Mississauga, Winnipeg, or Vancouver, the local office’s workload will dictate how quickly they can schedule your test.
Step 3: Issuing the Notice to Appear
When the local office reaches your file, an immigration officer will trigger the “Notice to Appear” for the citizenship test. 📧 You will receive an automated email containing a link to the online testing portal, your login credentials, and a specific time window during which you must complete the exam.
Step 4: Taking the Online Citizenship Test
You will have a generous window (usually 21 days) to take the online test from your home computer. The test requires a webcam for identity verification and anti-cheating measures. Once you pass the 20-question multiple-choice exam, your tracker will update shortly after to reflect your success.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Taking the citizenship test itself does not incur any extra charges, as it is fully covered by your initial application fees. Here is a quick reminder of the standard costs associated with obtaining Canadian citizenship:
- Adult Application Fee: The total federal cost is $653 CAD (comprised of a $530 CAD processing fee and a $123 CAD Right of Citizenship fee).
- Minor Application Fee: For children under 18 applying with a parent, the fee is only $100 CAD.
- Retaking the Test: If you fail your first attempt, you are allowed to rewrite the test. There is no additional fee charged by IRCC for a second attempt.
| Application Phase | IRCC Tracker Status | Required Action |
|---|---|---|
| Background Verification | In Progress → Completed | None. Wait for the local office transfer. |
| Citizenship Test | Not Started → In Progress | Monitor your email daily, including junk/spam folders. |
| Oath of Citizenship | Not Started | Happens only after the test and interview are completed. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Historically, the gap between a completed background check and a test invitation ranges from 2 to 6 months. ⏱️ The entire federal citizenship timeline-from the day you submit your application to the day you attend your citizenship ceremony and sing “O Canada”-generally takes between 10 to 15 months. Keep in mind that processing times fluctuate based on the volume of applications IRCC is managing at any given time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my tracker not updating even after I got the email?
The IRCC online tracker is known to have a slight delay. It is very common for applicants to receive their official email invitation to take the test days, or even a week, before the online portal reflects the “In Progress” status for the testing phase.
What happens if I miss the email for the citizenship test?
If you fail to take the test within your designated 21-day window, IRCC will usually send a final notice to appear. If you miss it again without a valid, documented excuse, your entire citizenship application could be abandoned, and you would lose your $653 CAD fee.
Can I request an expedited test invitation?
It is possible to request urgent processing, but only under severe circumstances, such as needing a Canadian passport to travel due to the death of a family member, or if a job strictly requires you to hold Canadian citizenship. General impatience is not grounds for expediting.
Does my RCMP background check expire while waiting?
No, once the background check is marked completed internally by IRCC, it is valid for the duration of that specific application phase. However, before taking the oath, you must confirm you have not been charged with any new criminal offences since filing your application.
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